District of Innovation

District’s Innovation Bid
with Texas Education AgencyCCISD has long been recognized as a leader in visionary education, now seeks official title

In a school district where students have developed a table which is currently being used by astronauts on the International Space Station and where elementary and high school students are currently awaiting patents on their science fair projects, it may seem unnecessary for a high performing school district like the Clear Creek Independent School District to seek state permission to be innovative but the state-designation will allow the school district further flexibility to meet student needs. “The designation will allow us some leeway on some state laws that frankly have inhibited our ability to set a calendar that meets our community’s needs, give teachers the time and professional learning to maximize student instruction, and really take this notion that learning can happen any time, any place and at any pace,” said Greg Smith, Superintendent of Schools.

The District of Innovation concept was passed into law by the 84th Legislative Session in House Bill 1842. The law allows traditional independent school districts to access most of the flexibilities available to Texas’ open enrollment charter schools. To access these flexibilities, a school district must adopt an innovation plan.

The Board of Trustees appointed a committee of educators, parents and community members to draft a plan to be considered by the CCISD general public. The board approved the plan on Monday, November 28, 2016.

CCISD now joins a growing list of Texas public school districts that have sought this designation. The school board adopted a resolution which outlines parameters for a committee to work within including the assertion that the school district will uphold all laws and policies related to teacher contracts.